Imagery:

Two perfectly matched long-bladed swords pointing downwards are positioned in front of six shorter broad saber or slashing type swords, each of the six with different blade curvature. The blade of topmost sword is jagged. Crowley states that the six swords displayed are: the Kriss, the Kukri, the Scramasax, the Dagger, the Machete and the Yataghan.

The straight and identical blades of the top two swords (those pointing downward) contrasts greatly with the curving blades of the sabers.

The background of the card is a dark striking red/dark violet with jagged orange edges.

Symbolism:

Two downward pointing swords – Manifestation of will

Six sabers – Interference with will – obstacles & difficulties

Short Blades – Shortened force, will weakened

Dark, violent background – Strife, worry

Various jagged, geometric shapes – confusion, lack of clarity

Astrological glyph of Jupiter in the top center of the card

Astrological glyph of Gemini on the bottom center of the card

Musings:

The two parallel swords represent Will – will that is blocked/crossed by the six crooked sabers, representing shortened force that is the title of this card. The curved and jagged blades of the sabers symbolize the obstacles, annoyances and restrictions that interrupt the straight flow of energy.

The two swords pointing downward can represent a decision between two situations or issues that has to be made but no matter what you choose, you encounter an obstacle (one of the sabers), which could very well be your own fears and doubts.

The dark and crimson background with jagged edges may represent the confusion, irritation and frustration we experience when our effort are thwarted. The clarity that we usually experience is gone, replaced by annoyance and the inability to think in an analytical manner.

This card advises that at the moment, it might be best to wait it out and not make any major decisions.

The samurai sword ban only aeilpps to curved ones, you can buy fully sharpened straight ones to display legally. If the blunt one you want is curved you may have some problems convincing security that it is purely for display as they may confiscate it. I would reccomend getting one that specifically says it cannot be sharpened (sometimes due to the metal they’re made out of or because they have holes close to the edge which can make them look cooler but are not traditional’ in style). Also curved blades are legal if they’re over 100 years old as they count as antiques (but they’re hella expensive!)

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